A special visitor was honored by the Rome City Commission Monday night.

Amidst heated budget talks, U.S. Representative Phil Gingrey received a proclamation from the City of Rome for his dedication and service to Floyd County. Gingrey has served as Representative from the 11th congressional district since 2003, but as a result of re-districting, Floyd County was shuffled to the newly established 14th district---meaning as of December 31st, he will be no longer be our congressman.

Though the care of our county has shifted hands to fellow Republican Tom Graves, Gingrey said that Floyd isn’t truly losing him.

“I would like to say thank you to the people of Floyd County. It was Floyd County that was my margin of victory back in 2002, and allowed me to go to the 108th congress,” he said. “I’m not really going to leave. I’m always going to keep those friendships that I’ve made, and try to do the constituent’s service work, in conjunction with your new congressman Tom Graves. So, you don’t really lose one, you gain one.”

In their proclamation, commissioner’s specifically praised his push to get Rome a VA Outreach Clinic and his continued effort in commencing the proposed 411 connector. To standing applause, Gingrey said he would treasure the proclamation forever.

Along with honoring Gingrey, the commission voted unanimously to raise water and sewer rates by 3%--or 50 cents--for the city. Commissioners cited decreased water usage by Rome residents as reason for the hike.

Next Monday, the city commission will hear from supporters and dissenters of backyard chickens, and will ultimately decide the fate of the Lewis family’s hens.